As the oldest child of six and one of a very large and loving extended family, Maureen always had a passion for working with young children. So after a liberal arts education at The College of the Holy Cross where she followed her dad's advice to "study whatever you want," Maureen worked for a few years in the marketing department in a multidisciplinary design firm, and then went on to get her master's degree and teaching credentials at Boston University. Soon after, Maureen became an elementary school teacher in Wayland, Massachusetts and has taught several grades throughout her 30-year tenure in the district. In addition to teaching, Maureen enjoys reading, researching, writing, presenting, project work, and serving on committees related to education development and innovation. She is passionate about moving schools in the direction of serving EVERY child with strength, love, and a top-notch education. And as a mom of three wonderful sons, she's had some good homeschooling to reach her goals as well.

In education, I am a big fan of leading each other which is also known as distributive leadership.

In the classroom, I typically let students lead me. I want to hear their ideas about how our classroom community can be better and the ways in which I may serve them well. I want to readily respond to their questions, comments, and big ideas. I want to be their cheerleader, coach, mentor, partner, and yes, friend, in learning. I am there for them, and I let my students lead me. I also work to lead my students too. Leadership is shared in the classroom.

Similarly I expect that my colleagues, administrators, family members, and citizens will lead me too. They will likely have a lot to say about what I do this year and how I do it. I'll be listening to their leadership since I know they bring to school so many areas of expertise, more than any one person can represent. I hope to lead as well by sharing ideas, modeling teaching strategies, and working collaboratively to develop programs and improve craft.

I believe shared leadership invites the best of what we can do in schools and also leads our students to similarly collaborate and share with us, their teachers/leaders, and each other. This prepares our students well for the world of the future--a world that will depend on inspired, effective, and targeted collaboration and distributive leadership.

How would you describe your most challenged learners? What creates the challenge?

I would describe my most challenged learners as those who are unable to learn successfully in the school setting. These are the students that don't make steady gains, demonstrate interest or investment, and who disrupt the overall classroom program.

These students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. There is not a one size fits all descriptor of these students as each of them is quite different from the other.

There is much we can do to teach these students well, and it's important to think about what it takes prior to the start of the school year so you are ready.

Once the school year starts, there's hardly a moment to breathe. The pace of school life, particularly at the early-childhood and elementary levels, is marked by significant time-on-task with large numbers of children and tremendous responsibility for coaching, leading, and responding to students', families', and system-wide needs, expectations, questions, and requirements.

Summer gives you the time to strategize for the year ahead, and as you strategize, it's good to think about the new and existing initiatives, opportunities, and expectations that exist. In the best of circumstances, I think it serves educators well to stay ahead of these new efforts and endeavors so that you don't have to back track, do it over, or repeat work. Plus, to plan with the future in mind means that you're ready for this new work.

EdWords Menu

Save Time with Quick Scan

Are you deeply engaged in education, but really busy? Sign up for BAM Quick Scan to just follow the highlights and featured shows.

Enter CAPTCHA

About BRN!

BAM Radio hosts 4,369 episodes reaching 7.7 million social media users a month. We're your source for "PD to Go!"

BAM! Radio Network is now the largest all-education talk radio network in the world, offering programming from the nation's top education organizations and thought leaders and reaching a wide audience of people passionately committed to quality education.

Connect With Us

1010 N. Central Avenue Glendale, CaliforniaUSA

1.818.334.4322info@bamradionetwork.com

Quick Scan

Are you deeply engaged in education, but really busy? Sign up for BAM Quick Scan to just follow the highlights and featured shows.